I love avocados, sometimes (read: daily) stand on my head to get my creative juices flowing, and I could listen to The Beatles sing, “I’ve Just Seen A Face” everyday, for the rest of forever.

Wondering what goes on here? Yup, so are the rest of us.

1. I am a lifestyle photographer. I have the most remarkable clients in the world, and I share their images here to inspire us all to live life with greater love, meaning and joy.

2. I am a writer. This blog is full of many of the curious thinks I have thunk.

3. I am a speaker and life/business consultant. I post upcoming speaking engagements and consulting information here as well.

4. I am most fulfilled by my work as a wife and mother to my 4 sons, one of whom now lives in Heaven. I share bits and pieces of our journey here on this blog. Including our ongoing struggle with grief, our experiences with ADHD and SPD, and our solid faith in a God much bigger than the challenges we face.

But ultimately, I hope that this blog is about something much bigger than all of that.My dream is for this blog to be a place where real life comes to be celebrated and enthusiastically embraced. Not just the pretty stuff, with tailored hems, clean lines,and the new colors for spring . . . but everything else, too. The frazzled mornings, broken hearts, crazy dreams, messy kitchens. . . even the fear, failure, hopelessness and devastation. I want this blog to be a place for every bit of what makes us all living, breathing, feeling human beings, experiencing together this remarkable thing called life.

May this be a place of passion, purpose, laughter, tears, friendship, encouragement and inspiration for us all.

In 2010, our perfect *”Baby Gavin” returned to Heaven after losing a courageous battle with **Pertussis (whooping cough). We are eternally and profoundly grateful to the thousands upon thousands (upon thousands) of friends and strangers from all over the world, of all faiths and creeds, who united with our family in prayer during Baby Gavin’s horrific illness and who grieved with us and continued to petition God in our behalf during the dark days following his tragic death. You may read Gavin’s story as it unfolded by visiting my old blog here. I am committed to sharing my ongoing struggles with grief and our journey toward joy here on the new blog. I am always humbled and amazed by the continued outpouring of love and support. Thank you for sharing in our journey and inspiring us with your unceasing love! God is good!

*My brother Gavin passed away unexpectedly in 2007. With all these Angel Gavins, it can get a little confusing at times, so just know that when I refer to “Gavin” I’m referring to my wonderful brother. When I refer to “Baby Gavin,” it is in reference to my perfect son, both of whom I cannot wait to see in Heaven!

**You will periodically see me blog about The Sounds of Pertussis campaign. I am an unpaid spokesperson and am only compensated travel expenses where applicable for my involvement with this important cause. Join our fight against this deadly communicable disease at www.soundsofpertussis.com or like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/soundsofpertussis.

So happy to share part II of Jenna’s maternity session (catch part I, here).

I first met Brian and Jenna when I shot their engagement photos in Hawaii a couple of years ago. I had thought their love and commitment to each other was strong then. . . there are no words for what it has become. This baby will likely never fully understand just how lucky he is. His parents are crazy about each other. What a blessing that is. What.a.blessing.that.is.

Enjoy.

(Keep those fingers crossed that Brian makes it home in time for the birth! Oh, I’m praying with all of me!)

I’m not sure just what it is about these next two images, but GOSH they make me wild. In.love.

A Weight:
Wow!! Not sure why, but I teared up just looking at these pics ~ that last shot especially ~ beautifully captures her as the strong woman that she is, going through this pregnancy with her hubby Brian deployed and being able to sit in such a special spot for the both of them...gosh, where's my tissue?? April 30, 2012 9:55 pm

Kelly:
OH.MY.WORD. These are the most beautiful maternity photos I have EVER seen. Absolutely gorgeous. Great job. I think my favorite is the one of her in the courtyard looking up...in color. But OH MY, they are all so amazing. What a gift you have, girl. :) I'm sure it helps to have such a beautiful subject, as well! Praying for this sweet family for Daddy to get home soon! April 30, 2012 10:06 pm

Chelsea Edgren:
Dang girlie! How are you so flipping good at photography?! Words escape me! April 30, 2012 10:37 pm

crystal:
She is stunning! You take amazing photos!!! May 1, 2012 5:09 am

Wendy:
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. How fun would it be to photograph the family once everyone arrives home and into this world on that same bench for a fun side by side frame! I will be praying for this beautiful family. May 1, 2012 6:31 am

Carolyn:
Beautiful. This baby is already so loved. May 1, 2012 9:46 am

Bryan:
Thank you Natalie for doing this. You are such an amazing photographer and captured my wife's beauty in a place that's very special to us. This is how I see her every day, from morning to night. Love these and can't wait to see what happens in a couple weeks when the boy is born! May 1, 2012 3:20 pm

Rachel Boatright DeVault:
Oh my goodness. This whole session is just ACHINGLY beautiful! I'm praying with all my soul that he will be home for the birth of their baby! May 1, 2012 4:35 pm

I feel like every inquiry of late has been for birth or maternity photography. I’ve been living in the magical world of all things baby, and boy oh boy does it do my soul gooooood.

This is Jenna. She and her sweet husband, Brian, are expecting their first, a baby boy, in May. I get to photograph the birth as well—my first home birth (Jenna’s too, high five sister;))! Now, everyone cross all your fingers and toes, say a little prayer, and wear your lucky socks, because Brian is currently deployed. We’re holding out every bit of hope that he makes it back in time to hold his beautiful wife’s hand as they welcome their son into the world. Enjoy part I of Jenna’s maternity session. More coming soon.

PS. Can you believe this nursery? I died. It’s even better in person (times 10). Jenna and her DARLING mom worked this magic all by themselves!

Liz:
That first shot? Are you kidding me?? Awesome!! Can't wait to see how you capture the birth! April 27, 2012 2:20 pm

Bridget:
I've done two home births and they are hands down 1000 times better than a hospital birth. Will she do a water birth? I can't wait to see the photos...but no crotch shots... Or boobs. Those always seem so, "hey everybody look at me all naked" and distract from the beauty of the moment. But you knew that. April 27, 2012 2:43 pm

Bri:
How WONDERFUL! If I were a photographer, birth would be what I would focus on. I'm a bit obsessed! My due date is a few weeks away, and we too are planning a homebirth! I keep debating whether or not to pay a professional photographer. I have a really good camera and have a friend who is decent taking pictures on call to come, but it might be worth it to find a pro. Do you have any recommendations for someone here in Albuquerque New Mexico? Can't wait to see the pics! And to the comment above, take the crotch shots and boob shots for mom, you don't have to post em. My favorite pics are the ones of baby coming out in the water. LOVE. Here is a birth video of still shots that are so beautiful! The picture sequence of baby coming out of the water then onto mama make me CRY! http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9AGFKB3t0X4 April 27, 2012 3:26 pm

Candice:
Jenna is my niece and we can't wait for this baby. Really lovely photographs! April 27, 2012 3:45 pm

Ashleigh:
Nat, how can I contact Jenna? My husband was deployed for our first son's birth and I just want to send a little love note and aloha her way. Xx April 27, 2012 4:09 pm

Crystal:
I am photographing a birth for the first time coming up in June! I'd love to hear some behind the scenes tips from you! "What to Expect When Expecting to Photograph a Birth". :D April 28, 2012 5:15 am

Katie Stilwater:
Wow! These shots are amazing! And she is a total babe! April 29, 2012 11:15 am

I wish I could pass my life by simply spinning along through the warm rays of the sun.

I’ve been left in awe in recent days as I’ve pondered over just how very much I have been given. This is a refreshing respite from the cold and lonely land of self pity I’ve danced my way through over the past couple of weeks.

People, God loves us. He loves you. He loves me. He wants us to find peace. He wants us to find joy. He wants us to have security, laughter and all the beauty and goodness this world has to offer. But like the little chick, we must break out of the egg on our own. We must push and struggle, and sometimes even kick and SCREAM, in order to break that shell. But once we do. . . we are free. We are strong. We are prepared for the big world that awaits us. God doesn’t make things easy for us. No. Because he loves ustoo perfectly for that. He knows we need to grow, to progress . . . to prepare for what lies ahead. . . otherwise where would we end up? Well, what happens to the chick who doesn’t develop the strength necessary to break out of his shell on his own? What happens if a well intentioned master steps in and helps by pulling the shell away? Eventually, the chicken dies, for it has not developed the strength to survive in the outside world.

As my wonderful husband reminds me (as it relates to this analogy, which ultimately belongs to him, not me), “Natalie, we are all big chickens.” (And he’s right.)

Once upon a time, someone asked me if I would die for God. There was no hesitation in my heart, “Of course I would.” The question that followed has never left my soul, “Will you live for Him?”

It’s interesting to think about. And by interesting, I’m sure I mean Earth-rattling. In quiet moments I’ve imagined myself standing up for what I believe, fighting for integrity, truth, purity, light. I’ve imagined myself as the heroine of my own story, willingly making the ultimate sacrifice for all that is good and holy! But God hasn’t asked me to make that sacrifice, what he has asked of me is a broken heart and a contrite spirit. He has asked me to truly LIVE for him.

What would happen if I were to translate that same courage, that same commitment to what I believe so perfectly that I would die for it, into the LIVING of my life? How would I approach everything I do? With courage, with faith, with resolve, with a willingness to see clearly and sacrifice as necessary for the people and things in my life that matter most.

I’m in the process right now of drawing the strength and courage necessary to make a couple of very large sacrifices. I’m sure they would seem insignificant to most, but they are nevertheless, gut wrenching for me. But I want to live for my Father in Heaven at all times, and in all things, and in all places, even if that means taking big risks, doing hard things and offering up my heart and soul. . . (the living of my very life) as evidence of my faith in Him.

I believe that true sacrifice — our will for His— brings forth the greatest blessings of heaven. The greatest blessing I could ever ask for, and the greatest blessing that I believe comes as a result of our greatest sacrifices, is that of PEACE.

. . . peace that feels like spinning along through the warm rays of the sun.

Melissa Q:
I'm a new reader but have greatly enjoyed reading through your posts. This morning's is timely, as they are the very thoughts I was reviewing in the car on my way to work this morning. Trading my will for His. Living life - doing the things that make me happy, steering clear of despair, and pleasing my Father in Heaven. And then realizing that all of those are the same things.
Thank you for your messages and being a light in this world. I have found you at a great time and look forward to following your journey. Stay strong and happy April 23, 2012 10:26 am

Kate:
As always, so inspired by the authenticity you share. Wishing you many happy spins in sunshine! April 23, 2012 10:27 am

Lara:
I love you so much. God is AWESOME! Praying for you so much. April 23, 2012 10:57 am

Emily:
I love you, Nat. Sending you hugs and prayers!!!!! This post is beautiful. xoxo April 23, 2012 11:02 am

jenni:
beautiful words. and sooo true. something we need to remember each and every second of every day. April 23, 2012 1:14 pm

jenni:
and this picture brings me to tears (like all of your work). not sure how you do it! April 23, 2012 2:21 pm

Ashley S.:
Beautiful! I agree wholeheartedly with this post. I especially loved the paragraph about drawing strength and courage to make sacrifices. I can so relate to that right now too. Good luck to you. It sounds like you're in a good place. April 23, 2012 9:45 pm

shannon m:
Peace. Something so precious. I know what you mean. I hope you find the courage to do what it is you feel you need to do and find the peace. It's something I also struggle for and crave. April 24, 2012 4:43 pm

Amie W:
Oh ... you sweet, beautiful, spot on, girl. I love you.
The truth of all you share lives in you. Thank you for seeking the inspiration on how to articulate your heart so we can get a glimpse. April 24, 2012 9:26 pm

I love everything about you. From the freckles that softly brush your nose, to the way you sing yourself to sleep. I love the depth of your soul and your complete clarity surrounding what matters to you and why. I love the way you love me. I love the way you live simply to be loved, cherished and understood. I love how hard you work. I know “it’s” infinitely harder for you than many. Your mommy recognizes this, and son, your response to life fills.me.with.pride. I LOVE YOU. I hope to be just like you when I finally grow up.

I hope you enjoy these images of you, simply being you; I hope you can see and feel the ABSOLUTE JOY in every one.

I couldn’t separate you from the ant hills. You were completely memorized. You noticed everything wonderful. . . about an ant. “Mommy, look how STRONG they are!” “Mommy, look how they stay in a line when they walk!” “Mommy, what would happen if I put my finger in their hole?” And oooonnnnnnnnn and oooooonnnnnnnn. You care about every detail of this beautiful world we live in. Gosh, I love this about you.

You made mommy jump too. . . and of course you insisted on taking pictures. It hurt my back. But you still made me do it twice, so you could get the perfect shot. You’re hard to turn down, son. This will bless you someday. I’m confident enough of this not to squash it out of you. . . even though it certainly doesn’t seem to bless me, today. ;)

You love sand. Every day, you come home with 2 shoes and 2 pockets fulllllll. :) And every day, you dump it all over my hard wood floor. I even love THAT about you. (Sort of.)

This is my favorite picture of you, ever (maybe):

Your spirit has been bigger than your body since the day I first held you in my arms. No doubt about it. Here’s proof of what I’ve seen in you forever:

Kelli Nicole:
These are wonderful!!! I love everything about them. He IS an incredible boy. What an amazing family you have. April 17, 2012 12:09 am

Jo Thomas:
WOW, these are AMAZING photographs - I don't even know Cardon (bar from the stories you tell) but from the photos you took, his personality doesn't really shine through so much as it jumps right out and grabs you and whisks you off on such a boy adventure!! Happy Birthday Cardon, how blessed you are to have a mum who ADORES you, xo April 17, 2012 12:33 am

Erin H.:
One of my favorite shoots your have ever posted. He's got a special something in that smile... way to go Mama, what a wonderful boy! xoxo to you! April 17, 2012 3:10 am

Meghan Harrison:
You make me not be sad that the boy in my belly (3 more weeks!) will one day grow up. I hope he calls me Mommy the way Cardon does you - and I hope I can express my love for him the way you can. April 17, 2012 7:54 am

Shelly:
My heart melts every single time I think of Cardon. And HURTS because I want to be with him every day:) He's the one that "gets" how wonderful the little things are, as you've said much better than I can. Last time we were together I laughed out loud at the thought of how the two of us sounded when we were oohing and ahhing over a rock! Such awesome photos, Nat. You captured him! Of course you did -- you're his mommy! April 17, 2012 8:25 am

Shari Hanson:
so sweet! i love them. he is such a handsome little man! xoxo April 17, 2012 10:20 am

Lara Cheney:
Happy Birthday Cardon! I hope you have a very special day since you are such a very special boy! I love the photo session. I need to do more to capture my kids in everyday life and for special moments too. April 17, 2012 10:33 am

natalie:
Shelly! I laughed, HARD, when I read your words about "ooing and awing over a rock." EXACTLY. How can you not just ADORE the heart and soul of this boy? Down to every single fiber of his beautiful little self! April 17, 2012 11:42 am

natalie:
Wow these photos are a great inspiration, the posing and the composition, I will be using some of this inspiration for my 20 year old son! Even though he is a lot older than Cardon...I just love the easy manner of these pics, my son is soooo difficult to photograph....but hopefully I can drag him out now that I have some inspiration!
Thanks for sharing....your photos are always so amazing! April 18, 2012 11:24 pm

Stephanie Joy:
This is practically perfect in every way. A loving tribute to a great kid! April 19, 2012 10:58 am

amanda:
i could look at the pictures you take all day! they tell such insanely wonderful stories.
incredible!! April 23, 2012 1:15 pm